New
New
Year 6

Kesh, Kanga, Kachera: living as a Sikh

I can describe how Sikh practices have deeper meanings.

New
New
Year 6

Kesh, Kanga, Kachera: living as a Sikh

I can describe how Sikh practices have deeper meanings.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Khalsa Sikhs do not cut their hair.
  2. A deeper meaning of this is to be spiritually open and connect with God.
  3. A deeper meaning of the Kachera is cleanliness and modesty.
  4. We can better understand Sikh attitudes to living as a Sikh by talking to different Sikhs.

Keywords

  • Kesh - the practice of Sikhs keeping their hair uncut, as a sign of respect for the body as a gift from God

  • Kanga - a small wooden comb that Sikhs wear to keep their hair clean and tidy, showing respect for the body and their faith

  • Kachera - special cotton undergarments worn by Sikhs as a symbol of modesty, cleanliness, and self-control

  • Modesty - dressing and acting in a way that is respectful and not showing off

Common misconception

Only Sikhs who have taken Amrit wear head coverings.

Many Sikhs, regardless of whether they have taken Amrit or not, may choose to wear a head covering like a turban or scarf to show respect for their faith and culture.


To help you plan your year 6 religious education lesson on: Kesh, Kanga, Kachera: living as a Sikh, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use real artefacts to promote engagement and provide real life experiences for pupils. Invite a guest speaker, such as a local Sikh community member, or show a video of someone explaining their daily practices and experiences as a Sikh - https://www.truetube.co.uk/resource/the-five-ks/
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match each keyword to its meaning.
Correct Answer:amrit,a holy drink used in a Sikh ceremony to join the Khalsa

a holy drink used in a Sikh ceremony to join the Khalsa

Correct Answer:Kaur,a name given to Sikh women to show strength and dignity

a name given to Sikh women to show strength and dignity

Correct Answer:Singh,a name given to Sikh men to show bravery and equality

a name given to Sikh men to show bravery and equality

Q2.
Who prepares the amrit during the ceremony?
any Sikh in the gurdwara
a priest
Correct answer: the Panj Pyare
Q3.
What is stirred into the amrit to symbolise kindness?
milk
Correct answer: sugar
honey
Q4.
What do boys receive at the end of the Amrit ceremony?
Correct answer: the name Singh
a bracelet
a special robe
Q5.
What does taking Amrit show about a Sikh?
that they want to become a priest
that they want to earn money
Correct answer: that they are committing to live by Sikh values
Q6.
Which of the following is not true about the Amrit ceremony?
Correct answer: all Sikhs are required to take Amrit
it takes place in a gurdwara
it includes a holy drink and new names

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match each keyword to its meaning.
Correct Answer:Kesh,the practice of Sikhs keeping their hair uncut

the practice of Sikhs keeping their hair uncut

Correct Answer:Kanga,a small wooden comb

a small wooden comb

Correct Answer:Kachera,special cotton underwear

special cotton underwear

Q2.
Why do Sikhs keep their hair uncut?
to make it easier to tie a turban
to save time in the morning
Correct answer: to respect the body as a gift from God
Q3.
What is the purpose of the Kanga?
to decorate the turban
Correct answer: to keep hair clean and tidy
to cover the head
Q4.
What does the Kachera remind Sikhs to do?
to cut their hair regularly
Correct answer: to dress modestly and live with self-control
to wear bright colours
Q5.
True or false? Only Sikhs who have taken Amrit wear head coverings.
true, only Khalsa Sikhs wear them
true, they are part of the Amrit ceremony only
Correct answer: false, many Sikhs choose to wear them
Q6.
Why are the 5 Ks important to Sikhs?
Correct answer: they have deep meanings about how to live
they show loyalty to a country
they are traditional fashion